Visuals of Prime Derby Riverside Site Released for Consultation
by Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments
Wavensmere Homes in partnership with Wilson Bowden Developments have released computer generated images of how one of the final plots of development land within Derby’s newly revitalised Cathedral Quarter could look, if the green light is given for the derelict site to be redeveloped. A public consultation process has been launched for Cathedral One, welcoming local opinions on the proposed plans.
Located off Full Street, the site was previously occupied by a police station, which was constructed in the 1960s and demolished in 2013. Phase One of Wilson Bowden’s Full Street development was completed in 2016. It includes the refurbishment of the Riverside Chambers office complex, delivery of 46 new apartments at Number One Cathedral Green, and a Premier Inn hotel.
The remaining parcel of land had been earmarked for an office development of up to 100,000 sq ft, but it will now be brought forward by Wavensmere Homes for an apartment scheme, benefiting from a vibrant location along the River Derwent, with views of the 16th Century Derby Cathedral and its 212ft tower. Also lying adjacent to the site is the Museum of Making at the restored Derby Silk Mill, which re-opened to the public in 2021. The Cathedral One residential development proposals are designed to complete the jigsaw of this prime Derby city centre location, enhance the street scene and increase footfall and activity.
Nottingham-based Franklin Ellis Architects has drawn up plans for a red brick apartment building, inspired by the traditional architecture and heritage assets within the vicinity. 189 one- and two-bedroom apartments are proposed within a u-shaped building that rises to nine storeys. 3,000 sq ft of mixed-use space has been accommodated at ground floor level to overlook Cathedral Green and Full Street, providing an active frontage. A range of uses are earmarked for this space, including a new café and high-quality residential facilities such as a gymnasium, co-working zone, and concierge point.
James Dickens, Managing Director of Birmingham-based Wavensmere Homes, said: “This site is one of the best located within Derby city centre, with rich views of the Cathedral Quarter and the River Derwent. It has been vacant for 10 years and there is now an opportunity to create an exemplary development, reflective of the prime gateway location.
“The designs we are now seeking public opinion on could help towards Derby City Council’s housing targets by appropriately densifying a derelict brownfield site within this prized and popular part of the city. The fine architectural detailing and refined material palette is designed to ensure the Cathedral is always the star of the show, while creating Derby’s most sought-after apartment development. We look forward to engaging with local people during the consultation process.”
The Cathedral One plans include two communal staircases, courtyard car parking provision and secure bicycle spaces. The latest green energy features will be incorporated into the design for the new homes, to enable a high EPC rating to be targeted, whilst exceeding the new Part L building regulations. Cathedral One will promote sustainable development through the use of low carbon materials, modern methods of construction, and renewable energy generation via a vast amount of roof mounted solar PV panels.
Derby’s array of city centre shops, amenities and attractions are located within moments of the site on Full Street, with Derby Train Station being one mile away, and reachable by foot and public transport in under 10 minutes. Regular services to London St Pancras take less than 90 minutes, while trains to Birmingham city centre take 34 minutes.
Wavensmere Homes has become one of Derby’s most prominent residential developers, with the £175m multi-award-winning Nightingale Quarter becoming one of the finest regeneration and restoration assets in the region. The former Derby Royal Infirmary on London Road – which had laid derelict for a decade – has been transformed into a vibrant new community, including over 900 houses and apartments.
The company has also recently submitted plans for the 11.5-acre (4.96Ha) historic Friar Gate Goods Yard in central Derby, which could be transformed into 276 houses and apartments, and over 110,000sq ft of commercial space.
Wavensmere Homes is currently constructing two other major urban regeneration schemes, located in central Birmingham and Ipswich, and has further projects in the immediate pipeline. The Edgbaston-headquartered housebuilder has around 3,500 new homes either under construction or in planning.
To view the plans, read more about the project, and submit feedback, please visit: www.fullstreetderby.com. The public consultation process will conclude on Friday 8th September 2023.
